A July 1996 public opinion poll shows that Americans, particularly those likely to have children reaching college age, sharply overestimate the cost of a college education. As a result, some may not explore financing possibilities further. College officials must be more direct with the public about the economic realities of higher education. (MSE)

The role of research and supervision in doctoral education are discussed in the context of Australia's policy debate concerning graduate study. Doctoral education is reframed as a form of professional education in which students are introduced to the professional practice of research and scholarship, with the supervisor responsible for assisting…

This case study details the circumstances that led to a revised policy on gifted education in a large suburban school district. It discusses factors that affected advocacy efforts and emphasizes the importance of key individuals, commitment, tenacity, and the necessity of a system being in place for change to occur. (Contains references.)…

Examines the history of California's reading program, reviewing its change to a literature-based approach and then back again to a phonetic- or skill-based one. Reviews key factors influencing California policy and speculates about the future of the state's reading program. (TB)

Two policy documents supporting education for ethnolinguistic or socioeconomic minorities in Catalonia are examined, identifying underlying assumptions and the views of cultural diversity implicit in them. It is concluded that the policy is formulated vaguely, incorporates contradictory statements, and neglects learners' first languages. Further…

Analyzes potential changes in federal copyright law and the fair use doctrine in the digital age. Discusses three policy options for balancing the rights of copyright owners and users--maintaining the status quo; adopting the Information Infrastructure Copyright Act; and adopting proposed revisions of the Digital Future Coalition--using the…

Describes cooperative ventures between the Vancouver public library system and the Vancouver School Board that have been developed to maximize service to students. Combined school-public libraries are discussed, tips for teachers working with public libraries are presented, and a sidebar contains the public library-school board Policy of Mutual…

Discusses the preservation and conservation of materials in libraries and archives and describes national and international policies that have been developed to deal with preservation problems. Highlights include managerial responsibility; paper-making and book production standards; the role of national libraries; coordination of policies;…

The offices of Information Resource Management and Institutional Research at Virginia Tech developed a set of guidelines for information management. This article describes the historical evolution, the forces that motivated the development of the guidelines, and the consensus-building activities that led to the acceptance of the guidelines.…

Explores the following policy approaches to drug use by pregnant women: (1) criminal prosecution of the mother; (2) allegations of child neglect against the mother with interruption of custody; and (3) drug treatment. Discusses whether each reduces drug use during pregnancy or improves maternal and infant health and well-being. (JS)

The changes in postsecondary education's relationship to government generally and to the federal government specifically are discussed. It is concluded that, as the array of issues, participants, and special interests mounts, the academy is less and less able to speak with a single voice in Washington. (MLW)

Compares findings from 1978 and 1988 studies conducted to determine whether high school accreditation was a requirement for college admission, where policies were formed, anticipated changes in the emphasis on accreditation, and the practices of large, public, and private colleges admissions requirements for in-state and out-of-state students.…

Discussion of national initiatives in the area of policy and planning for computer education focuses on the development and implementation of the Australian National Computer Education Program. National technological priorities are discussed, strategic planning and decision making are considered, and future activities and trends are suggested.…

Discusses the challenges of running a library in a political environment, and offers observations and strategies to aid in public library management. Areas discussed include governance, funding, personnel management, relationships with the press, working with elected officials, and negotiating strategies and skills. (CLB)

Discusses current trends that are predicted to intensify and to change library operations and the way society uses information technology. Trends discussed include focus on user needs; direct user access of electronic information; the obsolescence of first and second generation systems; a contention between optical products and online access; and…